Steering Column

[Zero]

I have a noise/rattle in my steering wheel. It makes noise at slow speeds when I hit a rock or bump. No sound when turning stop to stop. If I turn the wheel back and forth when the truck is off I hear the same noise. I think I have a bad bearing in the column, I was told there are two. How hard are they to replace and how hard is it to drop the steering column?
Thanks. Zero

 

[Zookie400]

THEY ARE A PAIN IN THE *****. everything needs to come apart. i did mine a year ago, and i hope they last forever.

i dont think you have a bad bearing though, if you did your wheel would be loose, and tiny greasy balls would be falling onto your clean white pants while you drive.

 

[Zero]

I had a mechanic tell me that's what it is but I don't know. As for the bearings falling out, they may already be gone. I've had the truck for three years and it has done it since I got it.

 

[action4478]

Try grabbing the steering shaft under the hood in the middle & see if it moves up & down alot ...If so there is supposed to be a plastic type of a bushing in the slip joint that wears out,,, (much banging)